Janice Gile Supon

Janice Elaine Gile Supon passed away peacefully on November 9, 2018 after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer with repeated complications. She was born on May 13, 1947 in Emporia, KS to Erwin Walter Gile and Mildred Thelma (Ziegler) Gile. She graduated from Emporia High School in 1965, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The College of Emporia in 1969.

Janice married Robert E. Supon on Dec. 28, 1968 in Emporia, and the couple briefly lived in Atchison, KS before relocating to Topeka, KS in 1972. She first taught music in the Hamilton, KS schools, then at Rochester Elementary in Topeka, KS. Janice also worked as a paraprofessional educator at the Kansas Neurological Institute and the Juvenile Detention Center, provided piano accompaniment for the vocal groups at several Topeka area schools, and gave piano lessons in her home from 1974 through 2018. For many years she provided piano accompaniment, musical direction, and appeared on stage at Helen Hocker Theatre, where she was known as “Suponavich.” She was also active in church choirs and played in the Tetra-Bells ensemble at Crestview United Methodist Church.

Janice is survived by her husband Robert E. Supon of Topeka; son David Todd Supon of Topeka; daughter Kayla Supon Carter (husband Ted) of Topeka; grandchildren Bailey Brianna Carter and Alexander Gile Carter; sisters-in-law Ann Gile of Orlando, FL and Judy Gile of Creston, IA; nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Max Gile and Larry Gile, and nephew Christopher Gile.

Memorial services will be held at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home located at 800 SW Sixth Avenue in Topeka, KS 66603 on Saturday Nov. 24, 2018 at 1:00pm, with the family receiving visitors beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janice’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.